Master of Public Administration

The Ohio University Master of Public Administration Program is an interdisciplinary two-year program offered through the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, and is available in two flexible formats. The MPA program is designed to be responsive to students at all levels (from novice to career-service professionals), students in disparate geographic locations, and students in various employment circumstances. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address difficult social problems, meet complex challenges, and enhance public value.

A significant mission-related part of the on-campus MPA program is to provide students with a sound combination of theoretical knowledge and applied skills. Theoretical knowledge is gained through the classroom experience; while students receive applied skills and hands on experience through the Applied Learning Practicum and through approved Internships.

Traditional On-Campus Program

The traditional on-campus program is designed to provide students with a sound combination of theoretical knowledge and applied learning to build competency in administrative management and policy analysis. A signature part of the on-campus program is a year-long practicum experience where pre-service students are provided with unique opportunities to engage in project-based work alongside professional staff at the School. Projects vary in size and scope and students often work directly with area nonprofit organizations and local government.

Executive MPA Program

The Executive MPA program (OEMPA) provides mid-career students with disciplinary knowledge of public policy and administration, public service and leadership, and data management and applications. Our emphasis on combining theory and practice helps students to think critically and creatively, while engaging in problem solving activities that address both real and theoretical situations. The OEMPA program is a unique combination of residency-based classroom learning and on-line interaction. Regular face-to-face class meetings are held at monthly weekend residencies on the Athens campus, with the remainder of the coursework completed on-line. Guest speakers from the public sector are often invited to join classroom discussion or for lunch/dinner over the course of the program.

Online MPA Program

Designed for working professionals, the online MPA makes it possible for students across the country to participate in a career-advancing program with limited interruption to personal and professional responsibilities. OHIO’s online MPA offers a curriculum that’s built for the real challenges of public administration. Courses explore topics like data analysis, public-private partnerships, and measuring outcomes. Additionally, students in the program can specialize their expertise by choosing from concentrations that reflect the current landscape of public affairs: public management, nonprofit management, and environmental and energy policy.